Nenshi leads delegation to observe Pyeongchang Olympics

Mayor Naheed Nenshi departed for Pyeongchang Monday morning to head a delegation participating in an observer program for potential hosts of the Winter Olympics.

The mayor will be joined in Korea over the next few days by a number of officials, including Canmore Mayor John Borrowman, Alberta deputy premier Sarah Hoffman, Alberta Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda, Calgary’s deputy city manager, the head of Calgary’s bid exploration committee and a number of managers and planners with Calgary, Canmore, the provincial and federal governments and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The cost of the trip — which will be shared between Calgary, Can more and the provincial and federal governments — is about $135,000.

The observer program is described as a continuation of the bid exploration process for the 2026 Winter Games. It’s intended to provide delegates with an“in depth look at what it takes to mount a winter Olympics,” Kyle Ripley, Calgary’s Olympic file lead, told council last Monday.

Ripley said the delegates will assess the infrastructure used in the Pyeongchang Games, liaise with other orders of government and explore potential economic development opportunities.

“Delegates (will) gain a better understanding from the primary Olympic authorities as to advice and concerns with games hosting ,” Ripley said. “The information obtained will be of great assistance in shaping of a potential future bid.”

Calgary has not yet made a decision on whether or not it will bid to host the games. One key factor in that decision will come this month when Calgary learns whether or not a potential bid would be financially supported by the provincial and federal governments.

“It is feasible for Calgary to host the games, but were main-skeptical on whether it is prudent for Calgary to do so,” Ripley told council last Monday.

The bid exploration committee will report back to council in March on the results of the observer program.